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News Release

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Local government leaders and clean energy businesses ready to act locally on landmark global accord

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Seattle, WA -- World leaders voted on December 12 on a final agreement to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, a benchmark scientists say is critical to avoid devastating impacts of global warming that could render the planet uninhabitable. The accord includes provisions to track, verify, and update individual nations’ pollution reduction strategies every five years. Bruce Speight, a representative of Environment Washington issued the following statement applauding the historic agreement, and highlighting what it means for Washington:

“100 percent of Washingtonians live in counties recently hit by weather disasters like the droughts and wildfires that ravaged Washington State this summer. Too many of us already know that global warming is hitting close to home, and none of us wants to leave the next generation an even more dangerous and extreme climate. That’s why the Paris agreement is great news for Washington’s environment and health.

Washington State has already been in a leader in curbing pollution and propelling wind and solar power forward. Mayors, businesses, public health professionals and citizens from across the state stand behind the Clean Power Plan, the biggest step the U.S. has ever taken to act on climate, and now they stand ready to act locally as part of this landmark global agreement.

“The Paris agreement means less pollution and more clean, homegrown power in Washington State. It lays the foundation for the 100 percent pollution-free energy future we need and the safer climate future generations deserve.”

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Environment Washington is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentWashington.org.